Much about the way these two teams have arrived at this juncture suggests that we could have on our hands a repeat of last year's tense, compelling semi-final between South Africa and Pakistan.

Even more than last year, Pakistan's progress this time has been deeply unimpressive. They have only won two games from five and are still not sure of their best XI. Australia, like South Africa last year, have uncomplicatedly and with little fuss pushed aside teams unfortunate enough to get in their way: blast them at the top of each innings. Chaos against order, art taking on science and all that? They're even playing in St Lucia, which like Trent Bridge last year, should work in Pakistan's favour.

In reality nothing stands further from the truth. This is, after all, Australia and Australia is Australia precisely because it is not South Africa: in that alone waits a book on why two cultures so similar are so different. South Africa die on such days, wracked by demons of rigidity. Australia live for such days, the pressure of semi-finals and finals sharpening their focus even more. On these occasions they are at their most Australian.

They also seem to have finally worked out the format, or at least applied their own interpretation to it. Very fast bowlers, good solid ones, appear to be the key in a format which is often credited - mistakenly - to have saved spin. Their openers are the most brutal and their middle order most adept at recovery. Even negatives are really a positive: Michael Clarke has only 48 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 70, yet it is difficult to argue against Malcolm Conn's assessment of him as this format's Mike Brearley currently.

Further, they have spanked Pakistan all shades of black and blue for the last ten internationals running between the two, including the group game earlier, also incidentally, at St Lucia. And historically, they are also the team least bewildered by Pakistan's mood swings: if Pakistan are awful, they are duly thrashed. If Pakistan are brilliant, they are duly bested.

All of it bodes less well than it did last year for Shahid Afridi's men. They have at least improved in their last two games and their smartness, as ever, has been in performing when it matters most. In taking the losses to England and New Zealand to the very death, they secured a minor victory in a tournament where even good sides have often been very bad.

Hope springs mostly from their bowling and spin in particular. If something remarkable is to happen, Saeed Ajmal can easily be imagined at the centre of it and Abdur Rehman not far away. And it may not be the worst time for Afridi to slip back into wicket-taking mode.

Could it also be just the right kind of time to thrust Hammad Azam into international cricket? Everyone else in the squad has been tried and Mohammad Hafeez, the most surprising name among the nine to feature in all five matches, must be vulnerable.

Form guide (Most recent first)

Australia WWWWW

Pakistan WLLLW

Watch out for

The three pace amigos of Australia, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson, have taken 29 wickets between them in this tournament. The pace, angles and intent they bring are difficult to compete against and if they fire as they have been doing, there will be little stopping Australia.

Runs are what Pakistan need and more likely than not, they will come from the Akmal brothers. One innings apart, Kamran hasn't kicked on from several starts, though he has at least provided some early momentum. Umar, meanwhile, has mostly looked good, though only against South Africa has he properly kicked on. If he clicks, Pakistan have a chance.

Pakistan, in contrast, need to answer a number of questions. How long to persist with Misbah-ul-Haq, scorer of 68 runs and holder of a sub-100 strike rate? Is there a suitable replacement? If Mohammad Hafeez hasn't sparked for five games, will he do so now? It is St Lucia, but just one fast bowler, in a Pakistan side?

Pitch and conditions
Pakistan would prefer to play Australia at St Lucia rather than Barbados, but given how they were hit in the group game earlier at the same venue, they face the deep blue sea rather than the devil. The surface is slower, enough to help Pakistan's spinners, but not enough to neuter Australia's pace.

Stats

Australia's bowlers have taken 47 of a possible 50 wickets in the tournament so far and the side has run-out the remaining three

Shaun Tait has conceded less than five runs per over through the tournament

In Salman Butt and Saeed Ajmal, Pakistan have the tournament's third highest run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively

Pakistan is the only team to make the semi-finals of all ICC events since the 2007 World Cup

Quotes
"We are playing well overall but we are missing opportunities by dropping catches. In any format, it is the fielding that wins you the matches."Shahid Afridi singles out fielding as Pakistan's major worry.

"Everyone has performed well in at least one of the games. Our fielding has been outstanding and is a huge part of Australian cricket in any form of the game, that's probably the most satisfying for me."Michael Clarke has no such worries.

Its really very difficult to guess winch team will win today's final reason is that Australians are really in a superb form but on the other hand Pakistanis are really Unpredictable Team. I hope that today we will be witness for an exciting match.

1996-Final
1999-Winners
2003-Winners(no loss)-50
2007-Winners(no loss)-50
Unbeaten for two world cups right from 1999 semi final(draw)
2010-T20-Need I Say More

AUS ROCKS

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:37 GMT

Come on Pakistan! have lost too many times against Australia!

R
on May 14, 2010, 15:36 GMT

Hi, I would like to see pakistan winning todays game as well as tournament as they are capable of doing miracle and more gutsy.Ausies should be alert....but as an Indian we want pakistan to win...... Pakistan do it once again..... Best of luck.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:34 GMT

Pakistan should be lucky today.First sign----------rain, play delayed.

param
on May 14, 2010, 15:33 GMT

@luckyferr==4...if my memory serves me correct

2007 worldT20
2009 worldT20
2009 champions trophy
2010 world T20
Uhm...has any other team excepting Aus/Wi ever has that kind of run in ICC events?
I guess not:)

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:23 GMT

yyy imran nazir is out in this t20 seris.what the problem is going with pcb

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:22 GMT

Australia will be out if Afridi blast

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 16:50 GMT

Insallah pakistan win in this match and pick the cup

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:53 GMT

plz rain stay away............

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:47 GMT

Its really very difficult to guess winch team will win today's final reason is that Australians are really in a superb form but on the other hand Pakistanis are really Unpredictable Team. I hope that today we will be witness for an exciting match.

1996-Final
1999-Winners
2003-Winners(no loss)-50
2007-Winners(no loss)-50
Unbeaten for two world cups right from 1999 semi final(draw)
2010-T20-Need I Say More

AUS ROCKS

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:37 GMT

Come on Pakistan! have lost too many times against Australia!

R
on May 14, 2010, 15:36 GMT

Hi, I would like to see pakistan winning todays game as well as tournament as they are capable of doing miracle and more gutsy.Ausies should be alert....but as an Indian we want pakistan to win...... Pakistan do it once again..... Best of luck.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:34 GMT

Pakistan should be lucky today.First sign----------rain, play delayed.

param
on May 14, 2010, 15:33 GMT

@luckyferr==4...if my memory serves me correct

2007 worldT20
2009 worldT20
2009 champions trophy
2010 world T20
Uhm...has any other team excepting Aus/Wi ever has that kind of run in ICC events?
I guess not:)

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:23 GMT

yyy imran nazir is out in this t20 seris.what the problem is going with pcb

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:22 GMT

Australia will be out if Afridi blast

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:21 GMT

Dont forget the last over against Austrailia when 5 wickets fell for no runs.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:16 GMT

and its raining. very tough game ahead for all of us and tense

muhammed
on May 14, 2010, 15:14 GMT

oooohh ,good to see the much and who is hero ,,who is zero,,, yellow and green what ever good to see the much

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:10 GMT

pakistan will be defeated by australian very easily . it is 100% true and will be true

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:10 GMT

PAKISTAN TEAM WILL INSHALLAH...all of you just wait and watch

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 15:04 GMT

pakistan has to make its 100 percent and then we can oterwise loss catched missunderstandings and flop batting must push pakistn on backstirs GOD BLESS US
INSHALLAH

Anthoni
on May 14, 2010, 15:03 GMT

Aussie Vs England, would be the best finals. Both teams have proved they are the best, this tournament.

shahid
on May 14, 2010, 14:52 GMT

Well Frnds This is true that pak is not perfomed well in this tournament but u also have to know one fact as well that from last two world cups which team elnemate south africa from the tournament have go on to win the trophy hope it works again.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:50 GMT

"Australia's pace against Pakistan's spin...", we all know what happened in first super six match played in between Australia & India where there was also "Australia's pace against INDIA's spin(?)". (For those Indian who do not want to remember any of the super six matches or for those who have short memory Ravindra Jadeja was hit for six consecutive sixes by Shane Watson & David Warner.)

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:49 GMT

Pakistan..well you can term them as the most unpredictable team ever EVER n EVER.

If they want to win the game... its Australia.. india or any other team ever existed on the cricket list.. they will win.. but if they are not in the mood.. well.. u guys have experienced it against ireland.

They have a strategy of no strategy.. they just go in.. and play...
WHY IS THAT SO?
Look at shahid afridi... the captain... he himself has no plan for his batting bowling or anything.. he just goes there on the pitch.. and tries to ram every ball...
If he is the captain.. what can u expect?

but as a whole... Pakistan.. is known for upsetting every kind of team present in the cricket world... positively and negatively.

Lets hope for the best... Pakistan Zindabad...

**** Proud to be a Pakistani ****

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:48 GMT

today is very important day for all pakistani peoples,b'coz two strong teams play the sami final.i agree to the Australia is very strong team but pakistani team is also unbalivable players..anyway's let's see wht happened next but inshallah pakisatni team will be win this sami final.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:47 GMT

Now the current situation is only one asian team survived that is Pakistan. Europe already in Final, Lets see whos gonna be the next!!! My prayers for Pakistan.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:47 GMT

INSHALLAH PAK WILL WIN :D

Robo
on May 14, 2010, 14:45 GMT

Afridi please play with Rahman and Ajmal. 12-14 overs of spin that is it, you WON. Advice to Kamran and Salman keep your wicket dont play badly.Aim should be 5 over 30/0 (Dont do 1 over 12/1 then 2 over 25/3...slow and steady wins the race!!!!!!), 10 over 70/2, 15 over 110/3, last five overs AUZ wont ball very well because none of their bowlers are good in death overs.

PRAKASH
on May 14, 2010, 14:43 GMT

i hope that there is some contest atleast......rather than a one side aus. domination

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:40 GMT

Pakistan is unpredictable and will proove the streanth which they hold.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:39 GMT

If Pakistan Win Today, Then they gonna win the final thats for sure!!! And I Think if pakistan win the toss today, they should bat first and Afridi himself should do the opening along with Hammad.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:38 GMT

Remember the 1992 world cup match b/w pakistan ane england..
england was chasing 48 to win and pakistan had lost its 1st 3 games.
any jotshi if predicted that pakistan is going to win the world cup.
every one must have called him mad..
but this is cricket and when pakistan cricket team is playing you never know what's going to happen.
so better luck pakistan cricket team.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:35 GMT

What aussies can do?? let us see today what happened !!

soumyas
on May 14, 2010, 14:30 GMT

aussie so strong, mighty...it will be one more 1 sided boring match

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:26 GMT

Pakistan will get hammered once again by Australia. Lets go England lol

Ricky
on May 14, 2010, 14:24 GMT

This is the exact same situation of 1999 World Cup Final between Pak and Aussie. Solid fast bowling power included Wasim Akaram, Waqar Younis and Shoib Akhtar ere undefeated. Sunil Gavaskar said "only miracle can save Australia". This time is other way around.

This is the exact same situation of 1999 World Cup Final between Pak and Aussie. Solid fast bowling power included Wasim Akaram, Waqar Younis and Shoib Akhtar ere undefeated. Sunil Gavaskar said "only miracle can save Australia". This time is other way around.

This time I would say only luck can save Pakistan.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:21 GMT

Pakistan dont have much of chance to be honest but if luck clicks then they ll win. But what ever happens i support pakistan. I dont want to see moh sami and hafeez. in last match we had a very good combination and i am hoping that ll remain same except moh hafeez has no space in the team. Best Of Luck Pakistan..

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:20 GMT

LUK PAKISTAN IS AUSTRALIA'S HARDEST TEAM SO FAR AND IF WE CAN JUST GET 30-60 MORE RUNS ON THE BOARD WHERE FACING ENGLAND IN THE FINAL

umar
on May 14, 2010, 14:15 GMT

Lets hope Pakistan win, one good thing is the indians are back to pakoraland.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:14 GMT

..Unstoppable Pakistans..

g
on May 14, 2010, 14:13 GMT

I think the WC format would have to be revisited. A team winning just 2 out of 5 matches, even more importantly winning just 1 match at super 8 stage, making it to semifinals is ridiculous. It's even more puzzling when u realize one of that win is against a minnow. From the performances seen this year, I think no other team apart from Eng and Aus deserves to be in the finals race.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 14:07 GMT

Pakistan will won. InshaAllah

MNIK
on May 14, 2010, 14:07 GMT

All eyes on T20 Semifinal today. I hope that Pakistan's youngsters do not disappoint with a batting collapse. Atleast half a billion people from 4 continents will be supporting and watching for Pakistan's win although Australians are far better and disciplined team, for so many years. Still Pakistan won T20 in 2009 and can fight. Today, we need a captains knock from Afridi and this will add another star to his career.
Having said that, I will touch the point for other Cricinfo readers that because of PCB's stupid and childish acts, over last one year, today Shahid is left out with no senior players like Younis, Yousuf, Shoaib to support him on the field for any disparate advise.
I wish Afridi and the young team gets Sharukh Khan (of 'Chak De' fame) to bug up 90 minute of Pakistan's batting. Lets bug the team with a song 'Chak De Pakistan' and 'Jeevay ...Jeevay... Jeevay Pakistan at St.lucia'

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:56 GMT

aus will win today and will go on winning the the icc world t20 2010

Muhammad Waqar
on May 14, 2010, 13:54 GMT

Although most un-predictable and unfortunately most inconsistent as well.............but we are still and could be the most dangerous team when comes to its performance and make the difference far more than any other team in the world. Hoping for the same in today's combat. The bowling is quite enough with only one fast bowler missing........... not sure who should be from Asif and Sami.........all the batsmen are fine but are not playing together......Hafeez should be out but who is the alternate??? Anyways........not much time left for chat........let's wait and wish for the terrific performance from our boys :)

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:41 GMT

InshaAllah Pak will win today
now lets see

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:34 GMT

IT WILL BE WIN OF PAKISTAN NATION. AND OUR FLAG WILL BE ON THE TOP.DONT EXPECT FROM TEAM.AND TAKE FAITHON OUR DUAS,

shan
on May 14, 2010, 13:33 GMT

Pakistan Zindabad!!!! if our opening batsman can survive for at least 5 overs we have a good chance!

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:26 GMT

PAKISTAN IS THE ONLY TEAM WHO REACHED ALL THE THREE SEMI FINALS. IT CAN BE A UNPREDICTABLE TEAM AND ALSO LOTS OF SENIOR PLAYERS OPTED OUT DUE TO DESCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN BY PCB. THE TEAM WHICH IS PLAYING NOW IN WI IS NOT A FULL FLEDGED INTERNATIONAL TEAM EVEN AFTER ALL THESE DESCRIPANCIES THEY HAVE MADE TO THIS SEMI FINAL MEANS SOMETHING IS SPECIAL WITH PAKISTAND ALL THE BEST TO THEM.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:23 GMT

i really hope Pakistan can thrash Australia,but hey this is Pakistan we are talking about.Either they are going to be terrible or turn out brilliant! *fingers crossed for the latter*

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:18 GMT

Hi, I hope that Pakistan will win. Pakistani cricket team is unmatchable in any form of cricket. 92 world cup two finals of T20 and in warmup match lost against ZM what a team. This is Pakistani cricket. Go Pakistan and crush Aus.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:02 GMT

Awfull 11( 1.. Dentist Keeper has a tendency to leave catch
2.. Salman Butt will open and not sure to leave or hit
3.. Muhammad hafiz has no place
4.. Umar Akmal following his brother at back door politics
5.. Shahid Afridi switch is off
6.. Misbaul Haq not sure either to contain the inning or hit early
7..Abdul razzaq its unable to understand, if he is playing or just in 11
8..Khalid Latif/Fawad Alam Not clear about positions
9.. Muhammad Amir is showing colours but not at best
10..Saeed Ajmal is leaving catches to equalize his bowling performances
11..Abdur Rehman its not his place but missing Umar Gul

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 13:02 GMT

It'll be a good game. If afridi fires than definetly. Even though pakistan are in the semi finals, their gutsy performances show that they have alot to work on while facing a team like australia.

irfan
on May 14, 2010, 12:57 GMT

I do wish pakistan all the best Inshallah today is juma and all the nation is praying for our team. Shahid afridi please give abdul razaq a bowling chance and include mohammad asif and dont include sami. plz plz sami is a good bowler but he gives away too many runs.

nasir
on May 14, 2010, 12:52 GMT

Aus will win it easily. Its really hard for Pak to win this one simply Aus performing as team and Pak not. Any player in Aus can win it alone and on ther other hand pak has 2-3 matchwinners. who know if they will perform? Aus all the way and i hope they win the WC they deserve it more than any one else.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:51 GMT

Pakistan is gonna win this...aussies dont stand a chance against the world champions of T20

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:49 GMT

Pakistan lost the group match not because of Australia's good cricket but because of Arfidi's experiments. He did not used Abdur Razzaq at all and used 4 overs of Hafeez and Sami. If we deduct half of the runs conceded by these two bowlers, Pakistan was winner.
Today once again it will be the issue of captaincy. Afridi should give first 5 overs to Amir and Abdur Razzaq (2 to Amir 3 to A. R).
Then bring Saeed Ajmal for one over. Then 8 between him and Abdur Rehman (provided Afridi bowls better) Then use one of Abdur Razzaq and rest four overs between Ajmal and Amir. Pakistan has great chances to win.
For batting Afridi should come at number 3, Fawad and Hammad in Misba and Hafeez out. Hammad can be given ball in case afridi does not fire in bowling.

Umer Akmal should come at 4 instead of 5.

If Afridi sticks to this game plane he will take the team to final insha Allah

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:46 GMT

predicited teams doesn't give surprise. yet another surprise for the ppl of Pakistan. just watch and support ur team.... inshallah men in green will win it.. Pakistan Zindabad.......

Saqib
on May 14, 2010, 12:45 GMT

It doesnot matter who is in front of you just play for your pride and play with ur self belief. U CAN DO IT.

!!!!! COME ON CORNERED TIGERS !!!!.

ITS TIME TO ROAR ONCE AGAIN AND PROVE URSELF. YOU ARE

!!!!! WORLD CHAMPIONS !!!!

Pete
on May 14, 2010, 12:41 GMT

Looking forward to England v Australia in the final!

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:35 GMT

after reading the pakistan's probable line up u justification to replace hafeez instead of misbah i now really have doubts abt the game knowledge of Osman Samiuddin as i earlier used to. despite knowning the effectiveness of spinner on st lucia wicket n the traditional week ness of australia against off spinners he still opt him out plus aussies are relaying heavily on pace and he is far more better player of pace than misbah n he also can play short ball well if editor knows abt his game. hats off

Brahm-Karst
on May 14, 2010, 12:32 GMT

Australia are too strong.. I can't see Pakistan having enough fire power. Pak haven't been playing to their full potential anyway.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:26 GMT

heart saying pakistan pakistan pakisatn at least 1 asian team reach finals .
but aussies can be a heart breaker but best of luck pakistan team.
win or lose geo pakistan. our prayers are always with you .2day it will be :-) :-(

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:21 GMT

so far in this tournament, pakistan has come the closest of beating the aussies, if afridi never got out where he did n he had lasted another 2 overs then we wud hav won, if we had taken watson's catch wen he was on 11 then they wudnt hav how much they got, but either way it'l b a good match, this will show if pakistan can play cricket, wot im sick n tried of is the biast commentators when england play, i mean yestaday one of them wer like oh last year sri lanka wer unlucky agenst pakistan, but today they got thrashd, i want pakistan to win today but if it doesnt happen i want england to get batterd on sunday

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:07 GMT

GO GREEN ARMY, BREAK THE AUSSIE-SPIRIT...!!

Pete
on May 14, 2010, 12:07 GMT

Posted by Farhan-Sg on (May 13 2010, 19:18 PM GMT)
The Australians are on a lucky streak - class is eternal, case-in-point: 3 semi-finals in a row. Flash is just a fluke - such as a wild-card, 9th ranked team making it to the semis. Clarke is going down 'mate' - be Afraidi...be very Afraidi...

Brilliant. I'm an Australian supporter but this is brilliant.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 12:00 GMT

Rohit..I really appreciate your gesture for the cup to stay in Asia....hopefully it can..but i don't see pakistan getting past Australia..

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:54 GMT

Unpredictable Team Vs Australia, How i am going to bet. Not sure this could a lucky day for Pakistan......

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:51 GMT

pakistan will won today against aussies

Dipanjan
on May 14, 2010, 11:46 GMT

If Australia beat England, first time after 1987, 2 non-asian teams will compete in an ICC World cup, and eventually be the same two teams! I believe, in that case, England have a score to settle.

However, Pakistan are no pushovers, especially in T20. After yesterday's lackluster SF, I am really hoping to witness a better game today.

Rohit
on May 14, 2010, 11:44 GMT

aussie are favorites and far better team than pak...But i really wish pak goes through and the T20 cup stays with Asia..All the best to both teams.May cricket win!!

sanafiza
on May 14, 2010, 11:39 GMT

INSHA ALLAH pakistan will win...No chance for Australia..:)
It will Be one sided Match..:D

Omer
on May 14, 2010, 11:38 GMT

The momentum is with Australia for sure. They've finally arrived (in T20). Not to mention my heart beats with Pakistan, but in all honesty, the Aussies have a very strong side. Pakistan will be the underdogs in today's match. But here's the flip side to it. Pakistan perform when nobody's expecting much from them, so you never know.

PS: I think it is quite an achievement for Pakistan to play in the semi finals of the first three T20 World Cups. Bravo! Looking forward to a great game of cricket. Whoever wins, cricket wins. Cheers from Lahore! :)

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:37 GMT

MOST IMPORTANT THING
I am sick of this Indian domination of everything in cricket. We have to bear 4 Indian commentators while other countries have one or two commentators. Why this bias.?The ICC(Indian Cricket Board) should look into this matter. Here is the list of commentators in the ICC T20 World Cup.

There are no Sri Lankan and South African commentators. There should be equality. The ICC should abandon its India centric approach.

Abdul
on May 14, 2010, 11:31 GMT

in this tournament pakistan is the top scorer against australia i.e 157 runs
all other teams like india, srilanka, bangladesh and west indies have scored less than 150 in this tournament. so if any team can defeat aussies in this tournament then that team is Pakistan

secondly although Pakistan has lost 3 matches but defeat against england and newzealand were not a disasterous ones. If Pak won by making a double in last ball against new zealand and will carry 1 catch out of six against england then everybody is saying today that winning ratio of pak:aus is 40:60 rather than the writer who is promoting it as 10:90

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:28 GMT

nice article!! we hve bin really down this world cup. furthermore , we dont hve Umer Gul. we qualified for the semis by mistake , lol!!!! XD XD XD

but lets be possitive yaar! Aussies are a hard team , but not imposible to beat!! go GREEN CAPS!!!

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:25 GMT

well well well ... all set for today's contest ...hard to see and hard believe but this is the truth. Australia the best, Pakistan the most un-predict...lets wa.it and watch

Ayub
on May 14, 2010, 11:25 GMT

Hi
I think the pakistan team is back on track. The opportunity they have got by luck, no one in the team will try to waste it.As they proved in the match against SA that they can play even better than any playing country in the world, so i think that they will repeat the same standard of cricket today as well. There has been examples in the cricket history where a team after winning all the matches reaches in the semis and then lost and that is why it is said that the cricket is by luck. In the end, I just wish the BEST OF LUCK to the great Pakistan Team.

Khurrum
on May 14, 2010, 11:12 GMT

Pakistan team is not balanced......we should keep this fact in mind....there is no place of Muhammad Hafeez in this team, Hammad Azam should be replaced for him. Misbah should be promoted to number three (03) and other batting order can be adjusted as per match requirement. Fast Bowling is 100% dependent upon Muhammad Aamir, while their strength is their Spin Bowling....how they bowl the rest of 20 overs is the point where Pakistan can win or loose the match.

Australia have won all the matches so they are confident and they don't have any problems as Pak have like Discipline, Fielding and politics in players selection.....so they have more chances

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 11:11 GMT

What the heck!!!
Why are Khalid Latif, Misbah and Hafeez in the side!!!
My replacments--

Let see to how much extent bad luck will hurt Australia in the semi, otherwise Australia will swiftly win this match as bad luck used to have some limits but Australian betting order have no limit till number 11. Hahahhah

Mian Abdur Rehman
on May 14, 2010, 10:48 GMT

Well, the only reason Pakistan made it up to the semifinal on all three occassions is LUCK.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 10:36 GMT

aussi have chance to win the match aganist pak. pak has not outstanding bowler or batsman, pak much depend on spinner but spinner didnot show good result. let see how is winner?
i think aussi should win easilyy. aussi look like 2003 world cup team

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 10:36 GMT

The question i think is on everyone's minds - is it time for boom boom afridi to come to the party? 1 of the main reasons for pakistan winning last time was his contribution with the ball, however is he going to contribute with the bat? What will pakistan do differently to all the other teams that have been battered and bruised by the aussie pace attack? They are going to have to find ways of using the pace. pick the bowlers they can and cant score off. the bowlers to target i think are tait, watson and if the can nannes. Smith needs to be knocked around for singles and johnson for a couple. Being an England fan, i'd actually prefer australia as they can be read. With pakistan its difficult to gauge how they're going to play. Good luck to both the teams.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 10:36 GMT

Australia Is the World Champions. But they didn't.t prove them in t20. So This is the Good Chance. Aus has a wonderfulness t20 squad better than the 2008 - 09 Squad. This time Aus will Charge it up.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 10:27 GMT

Time for something radical:( I wish I could write in Pushto/ Urdu for Afridi)

Bowling

M Asif should be used to take wickets and not contain runs at the top- even if Afridi has to give him a slip (or two). (Drop Misbah to make room forAsif)

Aamer should try the back-of-a-length-leg-cutters to contain (no yorkers please ) and frustrate the batters- too much to ask for: innovative field placings?

Batting

If going first target 160

First 6 = 35
next 10=90
last 4= 35

Send your best batters up the order and that includes Razzaq

Play Hammad Azam

CHANGE THE GAME PLAN IF ITS NOT WORKING

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 10:16 GMT

australia under pressure..

Asif
on May 14, 2010, 10:03 GMT

I think Pakistan should drop Hafeez and include Hammad Azam. Hammad has superb playing technique.

Insha Allah Pakistan will win.

Brian
on May 14, 2010, 10:01 GMT

'Australia is Australia precisely because it is not South Africa'. Indeed. Also, it is not Mongolia or Botswana either.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 9:58 GMT

i put my money on pak...!!!

Waqar
on May 14, 2010, 9:52 GMT

Well I am keeping my fingers crossed, I am pretty sure how Aussis are going to play today but I am not sure how Pakistanis will play today. They are so predictably unpredictable that they can loose a match from a position where no other team can loose and they can win from a position where no other team can do. They are consistently unpredictable and thats their strength and weekness both. Aussis might be wondering if Pakistan is going to play like a cornered tiger or like pigeon..... to be honest not only Aussis even the Pakistanis will be manipulating with the same thought.

tayyab
on May 14, 2010, 9:46 GMT

Good article & clearly good comparison. But everyday its a new day. Pakistan been in semifinal just due to their luck. Not good cricket at all. But does it matter??? NO ..Just need to make new start & need to be good in all departments. Hafeez is not performing but selectors didnt gave much option to team management. He was performing for A team & domestic team so have to select him. He needs to bat freely. I think pakistan can take gamble on Hammad Azam for naveed latif. But what pakistan exactly need is batting. Their baating is been poor. 171 against Bangladesh, 159 against Australia, 140's against SA & England. Cant even chase 134 against New Zealand. Clearly batting is not been gud at all. Top order need to use powerplay, doesn't matter if its salman butt, akmal or hafeez

GO PAKISTAN ...

willy
on May 14, 2010, 9:42 GMT

Australian team, the last sole team remaining who are consistent in every form of the game. Their batting strength is unmatched, their bowling strength is unmatched i think we are going to see another 10 years of Australian dominance in cricket. If Pakistan win the match it will not be because of the skills or talent they have but because Aussies had a bad day lol...................

Aussies all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 9:41 GMT

ISHALLAH PAKISTAN WILL WIN SEMIFINAL+FINAL,GO ON PAKISTAN

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 9:37 GMT

Pakistan will surprise AUS ....... We will be in finals ....... 1992 is back .....

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 9:15 GMT

2nd semifinal of T20 WC ... no doubt aussies ll be arriving at st lucia as the favorites to win this game, but pakistan have their chances to wat they have done in pasts i.e,e comming up with something special on day that matters. umar might not be playing in today's game.i just wish that he gets fit for this game n play his part.
my probables are 1-butt 2-akmal 3- hafeez 4-umar/hamad 5- afridi 6- misbah 7- abudul razzaq 8- abdul rehman 9- saeed ajmal 10- amir 11- asif

hamad azam is been good in U19 t20 world cup ... hes a pinch hitter n can hit the ball to long distances. i wish that umar gets fit for this game. if this dsnt happen then i guess hamad should be given a chance. it seems a gamble that placing a youngster in such a big match but i guess he should be given a chance specially when misbah and fawad are not performing at all.
wish green shirts good luck n hope they are gonne make their way to final today ..
good luck

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:57 GMT

@lucyferr
Pakistan made three world cups semi finals dear, consistent in the semi finals of all three T20 world cup.

Subhan
on May 14, 2010, 8:49 GMT

I think it is a 50-50 pressure match. Pakistan is a unpredictable side having world class spin attack this time and as we all know spinners are more successful in T20s as compare to pacers (on any track fast, spin, batting). 150 is defend able, atleast two batsman should come up.
Well Aussies are perfect in any department, i think so much perfection removes the beauty from the game, there should be some imperfection :)

Gautam
on May 14, 2010, 8:47 GMT

Quoting, "On these occassions they are most australian." I guess that means we'll see claims for dropped catches and wicketkeeper's glove assisted "bowled" dismissal of opposition batsmen not to mention shameless and unwarranted sledging that is simply not cricket Aussies are good cricketers no doubt, but unless they beat opposition by resorting to just cricket and nothing except cricket, they will always be unpopular everywhere outside Australia and no matter how many world cups they win, they will never command respect the old champion West Indian team used to in the late 70s and early 80s

WODEHOUSE
on May 14, 2010, 8:46 GMT

On paper this is an interestin tussle. I feel that Smith should not pose too much of a concern to the Pakistanis who are very good players of spin. The key would be the fielding and how the openers fare against the very strong triumvirate of Johnson/Nannes/Tait. Nannes and Tait bowling thunderbolts in tandem is bound to lead to a degree of discomfort to the batsmen. But a good strategy would be to go after Tait and try dirupting the bowler's rhythm. With the natural left armer's angle Nannes and Johnson can pose a lot of problems. Watson as a bowler is not such a major concern as Watson the batsman. It will boil down to the team that raises its game when the occassion demands and hold its nerve under intense pressure. The stakes are high and the teams would do well to play collectively as an unit. I hope to witness a closely fought semifinal and not a lousy one-sided affair. MAY THE BETTER TEAM WIN.

Nauman
on May 14, 2010, 8:44 GMT

well i think razzaq should come 1 down in batting line up as we all know aussies are banking on pace attack and razzaq is prety gd for tht .... after him it should be normal batting line up till afridi as by tht time spinner might be too much in action or seamers will try bowling yourkers with not too much pace n bounce in pitch ....

rizwan
on May 14, 2010, 8:43 GMT

WELL ANALYSING THE ABOVE COMMENTS UMAR AKMAL IS BETTER THAN ANY AUSTRALIAN BATTER. AND DALE STENY WHO GOT SMASHED BY UMAR AND AFRIDI IS QUICKER THAN

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:43 GMT

Raw talent versus Methodical Performance, what are the chances for Pakistan's raw talent to overcome methodical performance of Aussies...??? I feels the odds favor the kangaroos but as they say cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties & one never now about Pakistan,The unpredictability of Pakistan team is a double edged sword which has shocked all the teams including Aussies in the past & may go on to repeat the same here in the semi-final, the same unpredictable nature can cut there own chances to reach the finals never the less the competition would be worth watching i wish the better playing team on the day wins....!

IRFAN
on May 14, 2010, 8:38 GMT

Indians and Srilankans will back Pakistanies in semi and in final... Because Australians will have to face BIG BIG clash from Pakistan and to Pakistanies no body can STOP except Almighty..... Pakistanies are like Wounded TIGERS.

Jamil
on May 14, 2010, 8:28 GMT

No doubt Australians have been playing superb, but Pakistan is unpredictable too. I wish Pakistan wins by playing this team:

I believe this is the team we should play with. 6 full time bowlers and 7 batsmen who can bat and bat well.

Fireworks can be expected from Misbah. He is out of form right now but a really talented player who can get his form back anytime. He can be nightmare for Australian spinners.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:21 GMT

It is high time that Pak Tour Management think wise and drop Misbah ul Haq bevause he is not playing cricket; rather doing "Sarkari Naukri" (a Government Job). Fawad or Hamad should play in his place or even better to play Sami which will give them some flexibility in bowling department. If Pak team plays like tigers and holds on to catches, there is no reason as to why they can't beat Aus. Best of Luck, Pakistan.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:15 GMT

I have never seen such a preview before---for aussies minor goodies are mention and for Pakistan no mention of their class. Include it mr usman too " only team which scored more than 150 against lethal aussie pace in this world cup, only team which knocked 5 australian wickets in 1 over thats too da last one in t20, that req some class man. be brave and accept the facts too. Inshallah "Pakistanwould be the only team to make the finals of all ICCt20 events since the 2007 World Cup"

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:10 GMT

Go Pakistan Go!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it our day! Shahid and men be confident nations prayers are with you. Show the world that Pakistanies can do the impossible.
Don Worry YOu lose or Win, We still love you. So go without any pressure, and break the idole.
We are all Prayering

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 8:00 GMT

Just because something is difficult doesn't means you shouldn't try, it means u should just try harder.i think pakistan can make it happen.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:56 GMT

Come on Pakistan team you have been losing to austeralia for many times and sky didnt fall, Nothing big deal as if you lose today, As u were not even qualifying, So go and play without any pressure, Just enjoy and give us good cricket, I am sure you will do better than austeralia if u played match to enjoy

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:52 GMT

We could not predict at this time... Australia is the world-class team and could be win easily.. but Pakistan is unpredictable team.. so may be Pakistan will win.. I think it depends on toss now.. whoever will bat first will win this Semi... In my opinion paki should skip Misbah and in his place give chance to Hammad Azam and Mohammad Hafeez to continue...

Pat
on May 14, 2010, 7:42 GMT

Australia are a solid side, and going on recent form Pakistan are no chance after an unsuccessful summer, in which they lost all games in all forms against australia. Come on Aussie Come On, Come On!!!

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:35 GMT

GREAT AUSTRALIAN TEAM WITH HIS FAST BOWLIGN BUT PAKISTANI SPIN BOWLING ARE ALSO BRILLIANT WE ARE THINKING THAT THIS MATCH WILL THE BEST MATCH OF TOURNAMENT.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:32 GMT

Pakistan will win,no doubt about that...

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:27 GMT

Australia has come undefeated in this tournament. Its level has been much higher than all the other teams playing in this tournament.
But still deep down inside all the Australians and Micheal Clarke knows that they are gonna loose to Pakistan. Not because Pakistan is a better team than Australia but because
they are so unpredictable they can can turn it around on a given day. And who knows today it will be Pakistan's day. But seeing the good luck which has brought Pakistan into the semi's it seems they will be the winners (Inshallah). Yes the reason Pakistan is in the Semi's is not because they have played well but because that other teams like South Africa playing under power. So this good Luck will make them the winners in the Semis and take them through to the finals and later making them the world champions(Inshallah).

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:27 GMT

i just wonder why people always back hafeez????what he has done in the past?????he is just a club cricketer.he didnt play even a single match- winning knock in whole career...............plz kick him out forever

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 7:25 GMT

i think pak can win ths game if they add hammad azam in for Misba ul haq. becuz misbah is not in form and he is not giving us any bowling. hammad azam is a youngster he can score runs and he is a good bowler. his bowling can help pak to attack the australian team!!!

Misbah should come in at no.3 a player of his talent is wasted down the order

Rizwan
on May 14, 2010, 7:07 GMT

I know today Michael Clark will be called first in the Presentation Ceremony ;)

sandeep
on May 14, 2010, 6:56 GMT

Watson and warner may find it difficult to play some aggressive and quality spin bowling and hence, Ajmal and afridi hold the key to Pakistan bowling. If they could dismiss the aussie openers cheaply, they do stand a chance to fancy the final spot.
Personally, i would want the aussies to thrash Pakistan out of the tournamnent and then lose to Engalnd in the finals.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 6:48 GMT

Mind says, Australia will win it easily. Heart says, Pakistan will win it. Let's see what happens. I wish all the best to the Pakistan team.

Nawaz
on May 14, 2010, 6:31 GMT

pak will bang ausies today.. pak rocks !!!!

Imran
on May 14, 2010, 6:27 GMT

Inhalation plz n remember;
Aussies entry into 1999 World Cup Final after playing level with South Africa in semi...
that was only luck, no professionalism, still Australia went on to win that Cup, if Aussies deserve that victory then why not Pakistan today.
And secondly Pakistan played comparable with NZ and beat SA in super8 and only beaten by England expansively, So Pakistan was the 2nd best after Eng in pool E to qualify.
Pak Vs NZ >>>> almost equalizer but NZ won luckily
Pak Vs SA >>>> Pak beat SA by dominating the game
Pak Vs Eng >>> Eng beat Pak by dominating the game
equal with NZ is not luck
beating SA is not luck then why entry in semiz is only luck...
Pakistan deserve and can win today...
Go Pak Go

Muhammad
on May 14, 2010, 6:16 GMT

Australia is the favourite, but T20 is a funny game and unlike ODI or Tests where a team requires minimum two to three match winning performances, it only requires a single performance to win. Just for an example, what would have been the situation if Aamer had taken those five wickets in between the innings instead of the last over. I am a die hard supporter of Pakistan and hope they play good cricket and its a good game of cricket for everyone

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 6:16 GMT

20-20 is a shorter version and Pakistan as always a unpredictable team...i hope they can repeat 1992 WC...keeping my fingers crossed..but AUS very tough team to beat this time..Bowling is firing but glad that Match is in St. Lucia..If PAK can bat well or restrict AUS..the game wud be ON for sure...Good luck pakistan..Go get them...

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 6:12 GMT

It will be unfair if Australia was knocked out by Pakistan tonight :). Personally I cant wait to see England beaten by Pakistan in the Final .. will be a perfect illustration of the phrase "coming back to bite in the A#$" :P :P.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 6:11 GMT

its D.Day lets see what Pakistan do... Aussies are best as ever and Pakistan is unpredictable as ever.... only thing Pakistan is required to do is play with there strength the fire power in batting that Pakistan have no one else do with Akmals , Afridi, Abdul Razzak the can change the shape of Aussie Attack for sure... now its time Team Pakistan show your Strength....

Neeraj
on May 14, 2010, 6:00 GMT

oz gonna win another wc..They are too difficulat to beat in this kinda form...

lakhan
on May 14, 2010, 5:54 GMT

Clear Cut Result. . .Aussie and English will meet in the finals .Therefore,we'll see a dramatic Ashes Rivalry clashing in a T20 final at a neutral West Indies Venue. It Can't get any better.

Asif
on May 14, 2010, 5:52 GMT

To be frank, if any team can stop Aussies Progress in this tournament that is Pakistan, in my opinion. Why? Aussie team has only one bowler, who is almost unplayable for all the teams D.Nannes, against him Pak players scores 40 odd runs in 4 overs in there group match. If, they can play Nannes well once again than I m sure, Johnson, Tait, Smith, Watson are very much manageable. Tait has, Pace but he's not as accurate as Nannes. Also, what will effect the Aussie team is slow pitch of St Lucia. Spinners will play big role here and Pak has plenty of them. I would rate chances of both the team, 50-50. Any side can win today's game and make it to he Finale.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 5:47 GMT

the articles make it look like that pakistan don't have a pace attack!. what the @#$%! . aussies may be great on bouncy wickets but they are not the kings. they may have upper hand but they don't have the style.

and why the hell is the writer forgetting that we have asif, amir in the attack. lucky for aussies that gul is out otherwise we would have given them the same t20 result which was given in aus i.e. aus getting booked at 128 and this time you ladies would have never won the match

chris
on May 14, 2010, 5:43 GMT

ofcourse Pak have the players and the skill to beat aussies on their day but all you pak supporters are banking on the rare chance that paks would be briliant. Most likely resault would be Aussies beating paks by 40runs like they have been doin for the past couple months...remeber Pakistan tour of australia, total failure. But again anything is possible

Fraz
on May 14, 2010, 5:35 GMT

Kiwis & Proteas were unlucky to get out of the tournament due to poor their run rates. Pakistan just got lucky due to superior run rate despite of losing 3 out of 5 games. They don't deserve to win this worldcup and the final should be b/w the ashes rivals AUS & ENG, they played like champions and only champions deserve to win. Aussies will definitely not choke unlike SA, they are at their best in winning the semis and finals, so Pakistan have no chance and their this World T20 run will finally come to an end.

imtiaz
on May 14, 2010, 5:30 GMT

I am sick of people telling us we got in because of luck lets see
Nz vs Pak Pakistan was unlucky as Afridi catch was not there, last ball could have gone anywhere lets for the argument say anyone's game
SA VS PAk south africa was trashed
Eng vs Pak England dominated but it was very close game as it was decide it last over with thee ball remaining.
SA vs NZ newzealand was trashed
England vs SA it was domainated by Enland sorry (chokers) (:
NZ vs ENG well it was convincing win by England without KP and even though they already qualified and did not care to win or lose
so my friend Pakistan has made in Merit i think
Yes they can move there game couple of notch and they will have to if they want to have any chance with Aussies.
Stat 2007 lost in the final very close game
2009 Beat most of the top team convincingly ie AUS,SA and SL
2010 reach again semi final despite missing some of the key players due to injury and banned. Aussie the game is on !!! (;

shahzad
on May 14, 2010, 5:28 GMT

Pakistan may win to Australia if they do not respect him. They have to play Australians without any fear and pressure and play their natural game. Who is Australia? Austrlia is not the master of Cricket. Everyone who play with total devotion and concentration without taking any pressure become the Hero and can perform extraoridinary. Other thing which can help Pakistan by wining to Austarlia is that " Prayers of Pakistani People in Namaz-e-Jumma. But other thing is that
"God helps thouse who help themselves". Best of luck and prayers for Pakistani teams.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 5:23 GMT

I think pak is wasteing razak at the bottom he should be comming 3 or 4 as he is bruttel against the quicks he has been effective at num 3 in the icl and i think he should be send up the order

Omarr
on May 14, 2010, 5:19 GMT

Pakistan is the only team to make the semi-finals of all ICC events since the 2007 World Cup

That is 3 T20 WCs and 1 ICC Champions Trophy

Mashood
on May 14, 2010, 5:14 GMT

Afridi must open the batting with Salman Butt. Kamran Akmal 1 down. Khalid Latif 2 down. Umar Akmal 3 down (if playing) and so on.
Afridi must get 3 seamers in the side, Aamir, Asif and Sami.
No place for Hafeez.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 5:11 GMT

It is really nice to see Pakistan in the Semi Final. Although the performance of the team is not excellent so far. But Inshallah Pakistan will beat Australia today. Our prayers are still with Pakistan.

Afzal Bashir
on May 14, 2010, 5:02 GMT

Austrelians would be under pressure more than Men in Green. PK should bat first if they win the toss. Hafeez should be given rest. I never saw any body like Fawad Alam, he is a positive hitter and can ruin any bowler's line and length. Khalid latif may open with Butt, Umer at 3, Afridi at 4, Kamran Akmal 5, Fawad at 6, Razzaq at 7, Bisbah at 8.Hamad Azam woul be a very big mistake at such a stage.

Do not allot overs to the bowlers in advance rather do bowling change by watching play of the batsmen. Aamir, Saeed, Abdul Rehman should use their full bowing qoutas. Rest of the eight overs can be devided among Afridi, Razzaq and Fawad Alam.
Take a slip during Aamirs' bowing line at off during his first 2 overs. Try to take wickets, instead of controlling run rate.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:44 GMT

It is left to be seen whether Pakistan can really be on their hot/cold days. They are the most volatile side in Cricket. Pakistan is in Semis not because of playing good cricket but due to other matches going their way. Aussies have hammered Pakistan all round the park in the last year or so and form says Aussies are going to have a easy outing. It might be one of those days where Afridi strikes gold with bat and ball.
Aus vs Eng final is my prediction and Aussies are going to win

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:43 GMT

Pak is the only team who has the most potential to come back with great effort in T20 format........they made there semis chance by there own game......they are still the best in all T20 teams......

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:41 GMT

All comments/analysis are fine but think that one good over from Pakistan can make the difference. And also we in past saw that a single batsman from Pakistan turn the game so.... let see and also Pakistan is the only team from Asia now let's back Pakistan. GO GREEN GO

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:38 GMT

strange to see what Khalid latif being expected to do? and most the artical speaks about the recent history which i think will wrong because pakistan is the most unpredictable team, can perform any time every where...Afridi will be the man for the semi final against AUS with his fast/slow ball and his blasting 55 of 20 ball can lead us to win. Ausies will stop Ajmal to do his magic but Afridi can run the show. Pak Tigers are fearless after beating SA and are proud to play offensive. They would seem to be agressive today and would win it.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:36 GMT

you can not predict the outcome of the game when the pakis are playing....No one is favorite in this semis ...we are the most unpredictable side in international cricket and on our day we can beat the team even from Saturn....all good teams have one bad day due in office like sri lanka and south africa had in 2009....you never know if Aussies face the same fate....

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:33 GMT

you can not predict the outcome of the game when the pakis are playing....No one is favorite in this semis ...we are the most unpredictable side in international cricket and on our day we can beat the team even from Saturn....all good teams have one bad day due in office like sri lanka and south africa had in 2009....you never know if Aussies face the same fate....

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:27 GMT

Muhammad Usman: I think Pakistani is still evolving in this tournament under the captaincy of Shahid Khan Afridi, who has yet to impose his aggressiveness in his side. Furthermore, Pakistan has been unable to find a right combination. I propose that Pakistan should give a chance to impressive under nineteen palyer Hammad Azam. Pakistan must go with this batting order, Salman Butt, Muhammad Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Akmal, Misbah ul Haq, Kamran Akmal, Shahif Afridi, Hammad Azam, Abdul Rahman, Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Amir.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:27 GMT

The difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer. Go PAKISTAN..

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:23 GMT

Pakistan has to be confident and score runs in the beginning... they should keep wickets in hand.. Afridi should come one down.. I guess the team should be like this. (1) Salman Butt (2) A.Akmal (3) S.Afridi (4) U.Akmal (5) Razzak (6) H.Azam (7) Misbah (8) F.Alam (9) Ajmal (10) rehman (11) Amir.. This is the best batting order because if any two stay on the pitch they can fire runs.. All the best pak

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 4:22 GMT

" they secured a minor victory in a tournament where even good sides have often been very bad" what do u mean mr usman, we arent even a good side. whatever u wanna say in praise of aussies u can say as the are the best, but keep your nonsense about Pakistan with you. we have played a competative cricket. wow if south africa or new zealand with two points gonna make it to semis on run rate they deserved it and in case of pakistan all these thrashing. in if it is the case then new zealand victory over pakistan was a minor one as we arent even a good team...

aqeel
on May 14, 2010, 3:59 GMT

Agree Gentle man agree... but i would like to add some think in it, Pak need one very good technical batsman in their line in place of misbah or hafiz and one fast bowler as well. we cant beat Australia until and unless we strenthen our pace attack which is i think weak point of pakistan. how could we raplace umer gul with a spinner it makes no sense... i think u have to drop one batsman and introduce sami or muhammad asif again in this semifinal.

SAQIB
on May 14, 2010, 3:59 GMT

Team which will play with strategy, nerves and killing hitting atitute will win. Pakistan is always underdog and winning the tournaments. May 1992 be repeated agian.

Australia despite unimpressive in the first two contests, have been able to work out T20 gameplan and are likely to pass through.

LEts see whar happpen, chance are 55:45 Australia

John
on May 14, 2010, 3:58 GMT

It's great to see the Pakistani fans getting behind their team. However.... England went 3-0 in the Super 8s and crushed Sri Lanka, who were 2-1. Australia went 3-0 and are playing Pakistan, who went 1-2 and scraped through on net run rate. There's an old saying: 'The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet.' My money's on Australia.

Nikhil
on May 14, 2010, 3:47 GMT

I KNOW AUSTRALIA WILL Win, pak stand no chance, they will be clueless against short quick bowling like the indians and the fielding of aus will blow them away, also pak lack penetration in terms of pace in their bowling dept, apart from mohammad aamer

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 3:18 GMT

Pakistan will win this match and also a World Cup...
Australian are unbeatable so far but every team has his bad day and it will be 14 may 2009 bad day for Australia ......

Madhu
on May 14, 2010, 3:04 GMT

though iam indian, i support pak against Aus.. iam tired of aussies winning.. but in final i want england to win

abdul
on May 14, 2010, 3:02 GMT

BRING ASIF BACK WITH 3 OTHER SPECIALIST BOWLERS. BOWLING IS OUR STRENGTH, WE SHOULD PLAY TO IT!!! GOODLUCK TEAM PAKISTAN.

Dummy4
on May 14, 2010, 2:36 GMT

CM ON AUSSIES ROCK IT ...INSHALLAH victory is waiting 4 u

lucy
on May 14, 2010, 0:56 GMT

I like your assessment of "And historically, they are also the team least bewildered by Pakistan's mood swings: if Pakistan are awful, they are duly thrashed. If Pakistan are brilliant, they are duly bested." And yes, my money (had I any left after giving it all to Willow TV to watch this World Cup but still failing to get its full worth since they don't show women's cricket) is on Australia. Of course, Pakistan can beat the Aussies, but they are so hamstrung by being run by men who care more for getting power out of the game than actually building it... ach, Pakistan are underdogs for sure. Gotta root for them for that alone, even if I won't be betting on them. PS: "Pakistan is the only team to make the semi-finals of all ICC events since the 2007 World Cup"... and just how many events is that?

c
on May 13, 2010, 23:50 GMT

Pakistan is the only team to make the semi-finals of all ICC events since the 2007 World Cup / great

naeem
on May 13, 2010, 23:34 GMT

i think pakistan should try hafeez at top with butt and give kamran the middle opder job he has done very good job in tbe past pak should butt,hafeez,umar,misbah,afridi,razzaq,kamran,aamir,abdur,saeed,asif.pak,s main concern should be how to contain aus,if they can contain australia they have very strong chance to defeat them if you have too many batsmen they always relax and depend on each other.so far australia,s batting is doing very good job and there is a chance they can falter,you need a good fast bowler to back aamir and i think asif is much better than any others we can gamble on asif rather then gambling on batsmen if he fires one good spell of 4 overs with new ball we are in the business.Good luck team pakistan,we need to be team pakistan becaz together everyone achieve more, INSHAH_ALLAHA

Abdul
on May 13, 2010, 23:33 GMT

Nice Article, no doubt Australia is tough team to beat but its not impossible.
I heard Umar Akmal is doubtful for the semi-final because of the back strain can anyone confirm this as i have not seen any such news on cricinfo?
GO GREEN GO!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 23:22 GMT

"And historically, they are also the team least bewildered by Pakistan's mood swings:"
Would it be rude (or cruel) to suggest that the team MOST bewildered by Pakistan's mood swings would be . . . . . yep you guessed it . . . . . Pakistan.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 23:21 GMT

Just because Australia is going to win doesn't mean Pakistan should be written off so easily :)

Pak has an outside chance,...after some good luck in super 8 stages...But Australia is ruthless on any day in office....Still we back Pak!!!!

muhammad
on May 13, 2010, 23:08 GMT

No one favourite here but aussi has advantage over pak as always pak players got nervous very easily against aussie.aussi is the best chasing team ever. pak is the ever worst chasing team. pak spin is not effective much as aussie pace effective in this tournament. there are very minor chance of pak to win this game. only prayers and Almighty Allah can help them and they can have courage to play well otherwise there is not chance to win this game.best of luck pakistani cricket.

John
on May 13, 2010, 22:51 GMT

Pakistan haven't looked great in this tournament and are lucky to be in the semi-final. Australia have been dominant and have thrashed everybody.
Sounds like just what Pakistan would want!

Rakim
on May 13, 2010, 22:47 GMT

I think everything will depend on Afridi.

he has to play 50+ innings. And he has been bowling exceptionally in past tournaments. We will miss Umar. but I think Pakistan will win, they have to !!

respect for Australis tho

Andrew
on May 13, 2010, 22:26 GMT

I don't even like T20 but, as an Australian, the prospect of an Australia vs England final has me salivating. Australia should bat first and belt Pakistan into submission. I reckon their fragile batting order wont be able to best 120 against Australia's bowling line up.

Dr Athar
on May 13, 2010, 22:26 GMT

Inspite of being a ardent supporter of Pakistan cricket team, it is a pleasant surprise for me to know that pakistan is the most consistent performer at the ICC events.

All analysts and critics of pakistan team's consistency must bear this fact in mind. In fact, we supporters have to remember the same as well.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 22:12 GMT

PAKISTAN IS GOIN TO GET ITS ............. HANDED TO THEM

Deep
on May 13, 2010, 21:43 GMT

another heavy defeat for the PAK looms

Rohit
on May 13, 2010, 21:23 GMT

I think you'll find Australia have not just taken 47 out of the possible 50 wickets, but all 50. As far as i know, they took 10 wickets agaisnt pakistan, bangladesh, india, sri lanka and the west indies.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 21:21 GMT

What i've seen in Australia, and not in Pakistan, is their fielding strength. They hardly ever allow singles to be taken when there is a fielder nearby - that fielder would stop it as if his life depended on it. This, albeit seemingly small, is what turns even small totals into nightmares. Add to that the ability to take almost any catch possible, and you realize that you're up against a mountain.

For Australia to win, they just need to do what they do best - play normally. For Pakistan to win, they gotta play out of their skins.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 21:19 GMT

Hmm interesting analysis ... but i dont know pakistan is known to show unepected performances....lollllxxxx

Wasim
on May 13, 2010, 21:12 GMT

This article clearly shows that Australia's win in this match would be the best bet. Especially I agree with the line that Australia is the only team least bewildered by Pakistan's mood swings. It would be too hard for Pakistan to win this Semi-Final. Can't compare this though with the last year's Semi-Final because South Africa are known chokers, Australia isn't. But I can assure you that whole Pakistan nation will be praying for Pakistan's success in this match and they won't even worry about losing the final to England, because they helped Pakistan get to this point out of nowhere.

Jay
on May 13, 2010, 21:08 GMT

Australia all the way....

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 20:40 GMT

Pakistan will beat Australia and Once Again Cause a huge upset in a International Cricket Event.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 20:40 GMT

I WOULD ADVICE THAT SHAHID AFRIDI SHUD OPEN THE BATTING FOR PAKISTAN ONLY FOR THIS MATCH. COZ BIG PLAYERS ARE BORN FOR BIG MATCHES, AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM. IF HE IS ABLE TO GET A GOOD START ALONGWITH SALMAN BUTT, THEN I HOPE THAT PAKISTAN CAN DO THE HONORS AGAIN. THEY HAVE ONLY GOT SOME PROBLEM WITH THEIR BATTING, THEIR BOWLING IS WELL SETTLED NOW. KEEP IN MIND THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY TEAM TO BOWL AUSTRALIA ALL OUT IN THIS TOURNAMENT AND HAVE SCORED THE MOST RUNS AGAINST AUSTRALIA THAN ANY OTHER SIDE IN THIS TOURNAMENT. SO I THINK THAT IF THERE IS ONE TEAM WHO CAN ASTRAY AUSSIES FROM GETTING TO THE CUP, THEN ITS PAKISTAN....

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 20:10 GMT

Every body knows about Pakistan cricket. No matter, what's happened in past, a new day a new game of cricket. If Pakistan's big guns fires, all the experts and commentators suddenly change their views and predictions. LOL. No one can predict a Pakistan cricket match. Let's see what will happen. Until this game end it's hard to predict.

Muhammad Jahangir

Syed
on May 13, 2010, 20:07 GMT

No doubt, no team match Australia in professionalism. I know one thing and and want to tell is: if Pakistan is charged not one can stop them despite hihgly professional approach of Australia. Go Pakistan and rule the world of cricket.
Pakistan zindabad inshaALLAH

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 20:04 GMT

ma fingers are crossed to see dis match....being a pakistani supporter ... I ll pray dat pakistan win the match and proceed with the final and even get the world cup for second consecutive time....AMEEN

Syed Adnan
on May 13, 2010, 19:56 GMT

There are many who are calling for Misbah's head after his current run drought. When the tide of misfortune and adversity rises, men rise with it. A detractor silencing performance is near- all too near. Misbah will rise and give rise.

Come On Pakistan Do it Once More and More for the second time in winning the finals

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 19:29 GMT

Osman Samiuddin, you will be sure crying your eyes out on tomorrow when Pakistan kicks Australia out.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 19:27 GMT

I have only one question in my mind....WHY, why cant pak beat aussies?? Do they have something special, or do they eat something special?? To the best of my knowledge, they are human as well. Then why pak faced 10 consecutive defeats?? Past is past, now is the time to prove that pakistan can make a brillient comeback, anywhere, anytime.

The world is coming downnn....the flags are up...who's gonna be number 1 - who's gonna take up the cup...

Farhan
on May 13, 2010, 19:18 GMT

The Australians are on a lucky streak - class is eternal, case-in-point: 3 semi-finals in a row. Flash is just a fluke - such as a wild-card, 9th ranked team making it to the semis.

Clarke is going down 'mate' - be Afraidi...be very Afraidi...

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 19:11 GMT

Pakistan is unpredictable, the chances are there for pak. I think misbah should be replaced by hafeez as an alrounder. And Pakistan just need a planned match rather than to play as it is....

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 19:09 GMT

Pak will be charged up after defeating SA. they have much better confidence and belief in themselves. they need to kill the fear they have from Australia, thats the only way we can overcome the robots. its a contest of Science vs Art, Pakistan being Art and Aus is Science. lets see Art overcoming Science. thats the human way. go Pakistan go. INSHALLAH Pakistan will win. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD !!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 19:08 GMT

Your fact "Pakistan is the only team to make the semi-finals of all ICC events since the 2007 World Cup" is incorrect because at least in 1996 World Cup, Pakistan lost in the quarter final to India

A
on May 13, 2010, 19:06 GMT

I love how Pakistan is the only team to make all ICC event semi's since 2007. Ha Ha ! Getting by Australia is going to a monumental task. Mr Samiuddin puts it most eloquently, The reason Australia is Australia is because they're no South Africa, i.e. rarely do they 'choke' at big occassions like this. One of my favourite innings of all times was in the ODI world cup final where Adam Gilchrist blasted possibly the most sublime century ever. It'll take some head-scratching, hustling, mental strength, wile, spin and Umar Akmal to make an appreciable dent in this invigorated T20 Australian outfit. I think England is the only team currently that can give them a serious threat. As a Pakistani fan, I'm really hoping Afridi and the Akmal brothers really bring their A-game to the table!

Mohammad Khurram
on May 13, 2010, 19:05 GMT

For cricket every day is new day and every game is new game. All the states and figures are in favour of Australia for this big match. They showed extremely master class in each field in this tournament and have wash the label of non suited team for T20. They must burst their fast attack on limping Paki batting. On other hand for Pakistan team it's the history of Paki's where there they come to know that fuel is going to end they accelerate and they are players of big matches. We must hope for a big match with lots of competitions not like the one sided Eng win over SL in 1st semi.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:59 GMT

watch out austrailia..... here comes world champs.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:54 GMT

Australia's pace against Pakistan's spin

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:52 GMT

Osman rightly described the situation, but I have to remind you that Australia has lost a match to Zimbabwe in warm-up match and then Bangladesh damaged them in their side match.
History repeats itself; situation very same as it was during 1992 World Cup.
England is waiting for another defeat at the hands of Pakistan.

Niaz Muhammad
United Kingdom

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:51 GMT

despite the fact Australians are in their best form, lets hope the Team Pakistan clicks especially some miracles are needed in fielding. wish them best of luck

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:51 GMT

PAKISTANI's ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF T20 , SO DONT JUST WRITE THEM OF .AUSTRALIA MIGHT HAVE BEEN BRILIANT THROUGH OUT THIS TOURNAMENT ! BUT PAKISTANIz ARE THE CHAMPIONSSSSSSSSSSSS !!! MUCH BIGGER REASON TO BACK PAKISTAN !!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:51 GMT

PAkistan reached the semis more because of luck then any thing else,now this is great chance for all the players to show what they actually worth,they should go out there positive,they have the potential to beat the unbeatables so far,INShALLah Paksitan will win this cup as well, australian and english dreams will remain dreams.................................

Fahad
on May 13, 2010, 18:51 GMT

Believe it or not... for many a laughing stock and criticism only men in green are here in the semi-final and "It's show time!"

Bring it on Aussies...

We've nothing to lose, we're down and out but all we got is an opportunity and we would definitely (By the grace of Allah) make full use of it...

Inshallah Pakistan will knock out the favorites of the tournament... Get ready for a shocker!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:46 GMT

InshAllah Pakistan wud win......but heard sum news regarding umer akmal dat he wont be playing tomorrow due to a back injury hope he recovers in time and serve Pakistan to da full

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:45 GMT

i think Pakistan's best bet would be to bat first , post 170+ and then hope afridi and ajmal click.....Change it slightly and the games out of the hand.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:43 GMT

pakistan should play with full devotion, neglecting loss in group stage. in 1999 world cup pak beat aus in group stage and aus beat pakistan in final. pakistan should revenge that.

Vikrant
on May 13, 2010, 18:37 GMT

Aus has taken *all* of the possible 50 wickets - though you are right if you say Aus *bowlers* have taken 47 out of 50 possible wickets. There were 3 run outs as below:
Pak - 157 all out with no run outs
Ban - 114 all out with no run outs
Ind - 135 all out with 1 run out
SL - 87 all out with 1 run out
WI - 105 all out with 1 run out

Cricinfouser
on May 13, 2010, 18:36 GMT

pak all the way spinners will put aus in a spin

Waqar
on May 13, 2010, 18:28 GMT

As its all the repeat story of 92....so its ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN in final......PAK gona lift the WC again.......COME ON PAK

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:19 GMT

inshallha Pakistan will win that match against Australia if Pakistan won the toss and build a large total on the board because in whole tournament Australia didn't chase big score they chased only 106 against westendies and westendies didn't have spin quality like Pakistan and Pakistan should go and kill Australian pace batries mean and should target Tait and nannies and afridi should utilized ajmal and rehman fully and should use
amir properly and afridi should send razzaq at no 3 in batting order and think that is a perfect wining formula

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:14 GMT

Good analysis!
Inshallah Pak will make through to the finals

Syed
on May 13, 2010, 18:11 GMT

Pak should include hammad azam ahead of misbah,bcoz he is youngster and good hitter.
Boom boom Afridi needs to show reply of last years semi final against SA.
Best of luck pakistan

Krishnadeep
on May 13, 2010, 18:08 GMT

I guess this will be one of the most one sided semi finals in recent times. Australia against England would have been more competitive, but would have made the finals one sided. So let the steamrolling begin....

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:03 GMT

please bring in hammad and kick out hafeez...............

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:03 GMT

Well Mr. Samiuddin - Don't waste your time and Ink to predict anything about Pakistan - I love those worlds from Rameez Raja - HOW CAN YOU MAKE A PREDICTION FOR A UN-PREDICTED TEAM OF PAKISTAN. You never know how Boys come up tomorrow - Just Wait and Watch !!!!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 17:46 GMT

I guess spiners will be dominating the Ausi batsman's.
And Ausi pacer's will bowl tremendous but Pakistan will face them through their victory.

Ali
on May 13, 2010, 17:46 GMT

Pakistan will win this one and will go on to beat England in the final! Pakistan Zindabad!

No featured comments at the moment.

Ali
on May 13, 2010, 17:46 GMT

Pakistan will win this one and will go on to beat England in the final! Pakistan Zindabad!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 17:46 GMT

I guess spiners will be dominating the Ausi batsman's.
And Ausi pacer's will bowl tremendous but Pakistan will face them through their victory.

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:03 GMT

Well Mr. Samiuddin - Don't waste your time and Ink to predict anything about Pakistan - I love those worlds from Rameez Raja - HOW CAN YOU MAKE A PREDICTION FOR A UN-PREDICTED TEAM OF PAKISTAN. You never know how Boys come up tomorrow - Just Wait and Watch !!!!

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:03 GMT

please bring in hammad and kick out hafeez...............

Krishnadeep
on May 13, 2010, 18:08 GMT

I guess this will be one of the most one sided semi finals in recent times. Australia against England would have been more competitive, but would have made the finals one sided. So let the steamrolling begin....

Syed
on May 13, 2010, 18:11 GMT

Pak should include hammad azam ahead of misbah,bcoz he is youngster and good hitter.
Boom boom Afridi needs to show reply of last years semi final against SA.
Best of luck pakistan

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:14 GMT

Good analysis!
Inshallah Pak will make through to the finals

Dummy4
on May 13, 2010, 18:19 GMT

inshallha Pakistan will win that match against Australia if Pakistan won the toss and build a large total on the board because in whole tournament Australia didn't chase big score they chased only 106 against westendies and westendies didn't have spin quality like Pakistan and Pakistan should go and kill Australian pace batries mean and should target Tait and nannies and afridi should utilized ajmal and rehman fully and should use
amir properly and afridi should send razzaq at no 3 in batting order and think that is a perfect wining formula

Waqar
on May 13, 2010, 18:28 GMT

As its all the repeat story of 92....so its ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN in final......PAK gona lift the WC again.......COME ON PAK

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